Stalemate continued in the Legislative Assembly for the second day on Thursday, with the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party stalling the day’s proceedings with a dharna demanding an apology from Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over his remarks that BJP leaders were in touch with the nationalised banks that are delaying farm loan waiver.
With neither side ready to blink, the impasse is expected to continue on Friday too, the last day of the legislature session.
Bills not taken up
Six crucial Bills listed on the agenda are yet to be taken up for consideration while the Chief Minister is yet to complete his reply to the debate on drought relief measures. Also, his reply to the debate on north Karnataka issues may not happen now.
Speaker K.R. Ramesh Kumar adjourned the Assembly thrice on Thursday as BJP members stormed to the well of the House raising slogans against the government. Finally, he adjourned the House till Friday, without any business conducted for the day. Efforts by the Speaker to resolve the impasse failed as both sides stuck to their stands.
The governing and the Opposition parties accused each other of not being interested in the Assembly session and alleged that the whole thing was only a ruse to that end.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly B.S. Yeddyurappa demanded that the Chief Minister commit to a specific date by which all farm loans would be waived. However, speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said loan waiver cannot be implemented overnight and he would unveil the roadmap in the coming budget.
Meanwhile, Legislative Council proceedings were also stalled on Thursday by the BJP. As the BJP moved an adjournment motion to discuss north Karnataka issues, setting other agenda aside, governing party members insisted that Question Hour be held first. BJP members stormed to the well of the House and commenced a dharna. Council Chairman K. Prathapchandra Shetty adjourned the House five times and finally for the day. Efforts by the Chairman to convince the BJP to withdraw dharna failed.
